a P&S Challenge: replacement for Oly C3030Z

Aloha all,

I've searched and searched forums far and wide for recommendations for a good P&s that works well without all the extra strobes, lens, etc. I'm a working diver who can't haul a lot of gear. Had an Olympus C3030Z for years hooked to my BC that I could grab and snap macros with amazing results. I need a replacement!

Bought a Canon G6 with an Ikelite 6145 housing. Too big and bulky! (anybody want one? Only been in the water once!) Can anyone suggest a great P&S camera with good macro capabilities? Here's what I would like:

- no external strobe, trays etc, just use internal flash for macros

- manual capabilities with custom white balance

- compact, fully functional OEM housing that I can just hook to my BC

- good macro capability

- money is no object (to a limit)

Have considered the Canon A640, A710IS and G7, but all reviews talk about shading with internal flash. Don't ever care to add lens, strobes, etc.

I'm a Canon shooter topside, but will consider anything that could do the job!

Any suggestions?

This entire album http://outdoors.webshots.com/album/558467872fXBXGd was shot with the Sony N2 in the Sony housing. No retouching except to crop for various print sizes. The downside is that once the camera is set for Macro and put in the case thats about all its good for except for video. The N2 focuses in almost all conditions very very fast and has next to no shutter lag.

My first recommendation is the Canon S80. These are discontinued, but some stores may still have them. The S80 has a wider lens than most cameras. It's macro capabilities are good, and it has full manual control. You will find it's much faster than your Olympus. Also, Canon's housing is readily available new. The S80 is 8MP and has pretty good noise characteristics up to ISO 400. If you want everything in one package, this is probably the best camera.

I'll check it out....

Have there been any complaints about shadowing or flash use with the housing?

What about the Fuji F31fd and the Fuji housing? This camera has the best image quality of any compact - bar none. That might be nice if you don't intend to use the camera with an external flash.

Cheers

James

Looked at reviews, might be an option. Any experience with the new Fuji F40d?